Last night I was treated to the musical experience that is “The Prom”.  The critically acclaimed Broadway Musical has now found a home on Netflix and stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, Andrew Rannells, and Keegan Michael-Key.  With an all-star line-up like this one, it’s a good bet that it would be an amazing production and it did not disappoint!  While there have been some other all-star cast productions that have not lived up to expectations, thankfully this was not one of them!  The musicality is absolutely stunning.  Not only are the music and lyrics impressive(and it many cases hysterical) but their delivery is stunning.  Meryl Streep is an absolute legend for a reason.  At age 71 she is still as charismatic and incredible as she was 30 years ago.  The comedic factor is also wonderful!  James Corden and Nicole Kidman deliver most of the humor in this rendition, although Streep definitely contributes.  This time Keegan Michael-Key actually has one of the more poignant roles and his ability to carry it off is a testament to how much he has grown as an actor.  He does a fabulous job as a caring and realistic high school principal.  Also, despite the 20+yr age gap between him and Streep, their chemistry is still believable.

After a year of so much tragedy, scare tactics and just overall division in our nation, a fun-loving musical that is both comedic and soul-stirring is perfectly timed in its streaming debut.  Prom is a wonderful mix of tongue-in-cheek humor, mixed with an important message of tolerance, acceptance and love.  For anyone who loves musicals this is a wonderful rendition.  There is definitely a LOT of sparkle and sequins, but the “over-the-top” wow factor in contrast with the midwest backdrop presents a great contrast. Get ready to laugh and cry in this powerful motif of standing up for who you are and finding your people.

I have not personally seen the broadway musical that is the inspiration for this streaming version, but felt very pleased with the end result.  It is on the longer side, running at 2hrs and 12 minutes, but it moves fairly quickly and I didn’t feel like it dragged anywhere. Also, despite what some might consider a controversial subject, I still feel that it can safely fall into the family category as there isn’t any inappropriate language or otherwise.  There is one same-gender kiss at the end, but even that is done in a pretty wholesome manner.  It’s a great way to open up discussions about love, equality and acceptance.  Its not a holiday movie but definitely evokes this holiday feelings of happiness, joy and life lessons.